Fatman Scoop due to play in Newcastle before sudden death as festival pays tribute

Organisers of a Newcastle festival have paid tribute to Fatm,n Scoop, after the American star died at the weekend, just months before he was due to be a star attraction at the event,.

Fatman scoop, real name Isaac Freeman III, is best known in the UK and across the worlds for his megahit Be Faithful, which took the charts by storm in 2003. His other hits included Missy Elliot and Ciara collaboration Lose Control, It Takes Scoop and It's Like That, the Mariah Carey single he featured on.

The 53-year-old's death was confirmed by family and one of his DJ colleagues late afternoon UK time on August 31, with tributes quickly pouring in from fans, fellow musicians and concert venues across the globe. Having entertained at events like Bongo's Bingo and the Noughty 90s festival over the years, Fatman Scoop had plenty of fans in Newcastle and was due to return to the city in December, with him on the line-up for Kubix at the Utlita Arena.

READ MORE: Newcastle's Fame Academy star Gary Phelan dead at 42 as tributes pour in

Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter

The first event of its kind, the huge concert sees the hugely popular summer festival make the transition indoors for winter, with Fatman Scoop on a bill that also includes the likes of Vengaboys, East 17, 2 Unlimited and the Outhere Brothers. After learning of his death, Kubix promptly took to Facebook to pay tribute to Fatman Scoop, sharing a statement from his family, writing: "All of us at Kubix are devastated hearing of the passing of Fatman Scoop. All our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this sad time."

Bongo's Bingo also headed to their social channels to pay tribute, sharing a photo of him on stage and writing: "Rest in peace to one of the greats, @fatmanscoop. A true fan favourite at Bongo’s Bingo with 18 unforgettable show appearances since 2015. We are lucky to share so many memories of his legendary performances. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family "